Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Phantasmal Flames Set Overview
The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Phantasmal Flames set, the second main expansion in the new Mega Evolution Series, ignites the return of some of the most iconic powerhouses in the franchise. With a thematic focus on Fire and Darkness-type Pokémon, the set is defined by the high-profile Mega Evolutions of fan-favorite monsters.
Scheduled for a worldwide release on November 14, 2025, Phantasmal Flames incorporates cards from the Japanese sets Inferno X and the Mega Starter Decks for Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex.
Set Composition and Featured Pokémon
Phantasmal Flames is a concentrated set for the new TCG era, comprising over 120 cards before secret rares. The expansion introduces a powerful lineup of new Pokémon ex cards to the meta and includes stunning collector pieces across multiple rare tiers.
The Top Phantasmal Flames Chase Cards
For collectors, the set is overwhelmingly carried by the sheer star power and spectacular artwork of its highest-rarity cards, making it an instant contender for one of the most exciting sets to open.
Mega Charizard X ex (Special Illustration Rare & Mega Hyper Rare)
The headliner of the set, the Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR), is one of the most highly anticipated cards of the year. Its fiery blue and orange artwork makes it the primary chase card. Additionally, the Mega Hyper Rare (MUR) version, featuring a highly-textured golden rarity border, is expected to be the most valuable pull in the set.
Mega Gengar ex & Shadowy Megas
While Mega Charizard X ex takes the fire spotlight, the ghostly Mega Gengar ex is the anchor for the Darkness-type theme. Other Mega Pokémon ex in the set, such as Mega Sharpedo ex and Mega Lopunny ex, also receive stunning full-art treatments that are highly sought after by collectors for their unique and dynamic aesthetics.
Full Art Trainer Cards: Dawn
Dawn, a fan-favorite character from the Sinnoh region, receives her first-ever Supporter card in the TCG, guaranteeing high demand. Her Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Supporter card is a major chase pull, often competing in value with the Mega Pokémon due to the massive popularity of full-art female Trainer cards.
Competitive Impact and Key Playable Cards
While focused on collector appeal, Phantasmal Flames introduces several cards with significant potential to influence competitive play.
Mega Charizard X ex: This card packs a serious punch with its main attack, Inferno X, which can deal massive, uncapped damage by discarding Fire Energy. It’s an immediate threat in the competitive environment.
Firebreather: This new Supporter card is a game-changer for Fire-type decks, allowing players to search their deck for a staggering seven Basic Fire Energy cards. This level of energy acceleration and deck thinning is extremely potent for setting up large attacks.
Toxtricity (Darkness-type): This Stage 1 Pokémon offers a powerful Darkness Energy engine, a key component that helps fuel big-damage Dark-type attackers like Mega Gengar ex.
Moltres: An unexpected low-rarity hit, this Moltres card has an attack that can target and damage opposing Pokémon ex, providing a crucial and energy-efficient answer to multi-Prize threats.